25 Times Latino Roles Were Unforgivably Whitewashed In Hollywood

It’s been decades since the first films hit the screen and a lot has changed. Images are sharper, in color and the same goes to some of the most mainstream movie storylines. These days, we’re getting more stories about people of color and some of them have even come to truly speak to experiences that make up non-white cultures. Still, despite all of the advances, Hollywood isn’t quite there yet when it comes to accurate portrayals of Latinos and other people of color. Particularly when it comes to whitewashing on the screen.

Here are 25 times Latinos roles were unforgivably whitewashed in Hollywood.

1. “The Mask of Zorro”

Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones was a completely unknown actress when she was first cast as Zorro’s love interest in “The Mask of Zorro.” Despite the promising box-office values of well known Latinas like Shakira and Salma Hayek, Zeta- Jones got the part.Zeta-Jones ultimately reprised her role as the Mexican beauty in the film’s sequel, “The Legend of Zorro.”

Shout out to Anthony Hopkins for appropriating another role as a person of color (we’re looking at you “The Human Stain”)